Tag: Romans

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

No One Righteous

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d3

Scripture and Observation

Read: Romans 3:9-23 / SOAP: 10-12

As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—
    not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
    no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
    all have become useless.
No one does good,
    not a single one.”

Romans 3:10-12

Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:9

In order to understand the question that is asked in verse nine and subsequently answered by Paul in the rest of the chapter, it is helpful to look back to the preceding verses, in this case, to chapter two of Romans. It is here that Paul points out that in and of itself, being a Jew was not a get-out-of-jail-free card. There were certainly benefits that came with being a Jew,1 but like all other people on the earth, they had inherited the sinfulness of the first man/Adam – and would, like all others, answer to God’s judgment for their sins.

The Jews, while chosen by God, were not to believe they were better than the Gentiles, and the Gentiles were not to think they were lesser than the Jews – for as Paul points out, none of them – “not even one” was righteous. The depravity of man stretches across every race on the earth, and as Paul writes in verses 20 and 22: “No one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law.” Instead, Paul makes it clear that “… the righteousness of God comes only through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to those who believe.”

Living it out (Application from the Journey)

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved2 – is the most significant takeaway from this passage. However, second to it – in my estimation and understanding both personally and from Scripture. – is that all of us, Jew or Gentile … barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free are sinners in need of a savior and utterly dependent on the mercy and grace of God for salvation.3

In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (who have believed).

Colossians 3:11 NLT/emphasis mine
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, as sinners, condemned unclean, we are all utterly dependent on Your mercy and grace. I rejoice in knowing that You are a gracious and merciful God. I praise You for the Savior, Your Son whom You sent, to make a way where there was no way – opening the door of salvation not only to Your chosen people of Israel but to the Gentiles and all who by faith believe in Jesus Christ! In Him, I am made new, a new creation – the old has gone, the new is here, and in Him, I am free from the law of sin and death – no longer condemned but declared righteous before You in Him – by His blood! Indeed, we have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but by faith – we take hold of eternal life, a free gift You have offered to all who believe! Hallelujah and amen!

The More We Know
The LGG Blog Post
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Declared Righteous

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God, w2d4

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Romans 4:1-5/ SOAP: Romans 4:3

For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:3

Oh the joy I find diving into God’s Word! I marvel as I travel from the Old Testament through the New Testament reading messages of the redemptive stories of those, who, by no merit of their own – were saved by grace through faith. Today’s Scripture reading is an example of this, as we read that Abram (later named Abraham) who was credited with the righteousness of Christ, not because of anything he had done but because of his faith. Verse six of chapter fifteen says that “Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD credited it as righteousness to him.” We should note that this is not the first evidence of his belief in God. We find that part of the story in Genesis chapter twelve, verse four, when he leaves country, home, and family to follow God’s command.

Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household to (the land) that I will show you. 2 Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, so that you will exemplify divine blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, so that all the families of the earth may receive blessing through you.” 4 So Abram left, (read the rest of the story)

Genesis 12:1-4

I hope you won’t skip through the Genesis portion to focus on the SOAP verse. A walk through the story of Abram – who left all he knew for an unknown location and a promise that he could not see – much less understand – reveals much. In Abram we see both faith and curiosity, that some would say was born of doubt; and if you look carefully you will even see the evidence of what appears to be fear in Abram(v1). In God we see, comfort and encouragement as well as personal interaction as He answers Abram’s questions and goes a step further with a beautiful and demonstrative sky-gazing moment of the promise yet to come. Finally, we see first-hand evidence(v6) of the account that Paul speaks of in Romans chapter four. As the old saying goes, “stop and smell the roses”, so to speak, before moving on to Paul’s account. Let yourself imagine walking in Abram’s shoes (for an even better understanding back up to chapter twelve), consider his questions – and then close your eyes and imagine the vision in verses four and five. Hear God say, “But look,” Do you feel the hope? Do you hear it in these two little words and in the message that follows? Visualize walking outside with him and looking up into the sky at the countless stars and hearing God say that Abram’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars. – I love that we serve a God who understands who we are and what we are thinking or feeling and responds with such compassion and such an excitement for what is ahead that He infuses hope into our hearts and minds that helps us to press on.

Fast Forward

“There is no one righteous, not even one,
11 there is no one who understands,
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:10-12

In today’s focus passage, Paul picks up right where we left off with Abram. Keep in mind that Paul had just announced that “man” can be justified/saved (which is to be made right with God) by something other than the law, (Rom 3:21-26). Now, with this one question, he takes them back to Abraham/Abram to show them how. The question was perfect, for anyone who knew of Abram knew the answer. God had credited Abram with righteousness simply yet profoundly because He had “believed God“. Paul goes on to give an example that teaches the people that FAITH is greater than works when it comes to righteousness. The outcome of work is an obligatory payment or accolade – but what comes from belief/faith in God is His gracious gift of a righteousness that covers all of our sin and shame. It was the righteousness of His only son, given to take the sins of the world on himself and die on a cross that did not belong to him – but to each of us. – Now this is love and grace at their greatest!

Reflection for the Journey
  • What does Romans 4:3 teach us about the relationship between faith and righteousness?
  • How doe it challenge the lie that we must earn righteousness through what we do?
Going Further

How It All Began

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Unwavering Faith

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope, w4d1

Today’s Reading: Romans 4:13-25; SOAP / 20-21

 He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that what God promised he was also able to do.

Romans 4:20-21
The Bigger Picture

Romans chapter 4 is an illustration of justification. I believe it is good to read/review the book of Romans often and particularly this chapter – which was instrumental in my late 20s and early 30s to understanding God’s grace and being able to stand firm in my salvation. It is a beautiful word picture of the TRUTH of our salvation.

So while we are only given verses 20 and 21 to SOAP, I would encourage you to look at the whole passage (13-25). It’s in these verses you will see that the promise of eternal life is not by keeping the law – but – by “the righteousness that comes by faith,” and even this is by God’s grace to all who believe. This may seem redundant information – as our studies touch on this a lot – which is because it is the crux of the Gospel message. Salvation is not by works that we have done or ever can/will do; it is solely by the grace of God, through the blood of His only begotten Son, and our faith in that truth.

For if they become heirs by the law, faith is empty and the promise is nullified.

Romans 4:14

Abraham’s life is one unknown after another it seems. He followed God out of his comfort zone into the unknown and was forever waiting for the fulfillment of the promise(s),specifically those mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3. It’s here we read of God calling Abraham to “go from his country to another land.” If he went, God promised to make Abraham a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, to bless those who blessed him and curse those who dishonored him, and to bless all of the families of the earth through Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3). Some of these He saw answered and rejoiced, others were never realized in His lifetime but according to our SOAP passage today, he did not waiver in unbelief about the promise of God that he would inherit the world, which is apparently Paul’s summation of the promises from Genesis. Because of this, his faith was strengthened and this gave glory to God.

Fully Convinced

How about you? Is your faith full and firm in God’s promise or is it empty and the promise nullified? It is a daunting question for sure but one we would be wise to occasionally examine so that we are not found wavering in our faith in the promises of God that are ours through Christ. Wavering may seem normal with such a promise as the Gospel presents but it is vital that we come to a place that we are fully convinced that what God has promised He is also able to do. As we continue in this belief our faith will grow stronger and God will be glorified.

The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind –

James 1:6 (see also Ephesians chapter 4, specifically v.14)
Response to God’s Word

Father, You are a promise maker and a faithful promise keeper. Your Word is yes and amen in Jesus Christ and we are blessed by You. The world is full of challenges and obstacles and we have an enemy who is the father of lies, so help us to stand firm in our beliefs, unwavering, like Abraham and strengthened in our faith, giving glory to You. Where there is doubt quickly speak Truth over us. Help us to faithfully be in Your Word and let us be fully convinced that what you have promised You have done and are also able to do. For only when we are fully convinced will we live in unwavering belief of the Gospel message … only then will we see the beauty of Your amazing grace, unending mercies, and abounding and abiding love. It is in these truths we will be able to press on in enduring hope through all of life.

Going Deeper

The LGG Blog Post

Romans Chapter 4

Worship through the Song
Posted in Bible study, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

The Impact of God’s People

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based on: Not Made to Be Alone, an Love God Greatly Study / w4d2

Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 / SOAP: 14-16

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16
Be the light

God’s people are important to His process of calling others to Himself. Consider the words of Paul to the Romans, in chapter 10:13-14 – where he writes, “How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?” And don’t forget the “great commission” of the [church] to be His hands and feet and the mouth pieces though whom He speaks.

Like a light in a dark room we are meant to help others see their way out of the darkness to God. So what we say and do is meant to draw attention, not to us, but to our deeds and words – which should reflect God in us and in return reflect honor and glory back to Him.

Response to God’s Word

Father let the words of our mouths and the actions we take or the countenances and responses we have reflect Your love in us and our love for You – so that in all things You receive the glory – Forever Amen+

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

The Coming Glory

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A Love God Greatly Advent Study, The God Who Restores – W2D5
Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-25
Today’s SOAP: Romans 8:24-25

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.

Romans 8:24-25
Observations: The Present Suffering

Sin brought a curse upon the world and man that is still present today. So that we (believers) eagerly await God’s “coming glory”, when all will be restored and completely made right. Somehow, creation itself understands the effects of the curse and, like us, is eagerly awaiting for our redemption to be complete.

Hope and The Life of Anticipation

While our focus verses show us the importance of hope in the believer’s life, don’t miss that God Himself, acted in hope of—or “looking forward to”—the reversal of His curses He [God] had subjected creation to. A good explanation of this is found at Bibleref.com, which says:

God subjected creation to frustration in response to Adam’s sin in the garden of Eden. God did not design creation to suffer. That hardship came after all was meaningful and “very good.” This warped, struggling existence came about when God cursed all of creation in response to human sin (Genesis 3:14, 17–19).He never intended for His creation to experience this futility and death and corruption forever.

Bibleref.com goes on to say, “The day is coming when God will reveal His children in the glory He has for us, and then creation will be set free from its bondage. Paul says that creation itself will obtain the same freedom that those in Christ will receive when they are glorified. All suffering will end. All will be made right (Revelation 21:1–4).”

I read somewhere that – “The life of a Christian is the life of anticipation“. From the time we place our faith in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, we “hope in what we cannot see”… the promise of eternity, the guarantee of new bodies, of righteousness, forgiveness, and the God to whom we pray. This hope causes us to wait like expectant children at Christmas time with and eagerness to receive what we have asked for and believed in!

Application: How Does This Apply to Me?

A time stretches out and it becomes easier to lose hope -instead we should:

  • take heart that God’s promises are yes and amen in Christ
  • stay in the WORD, who is Christ and from which our HOPE comes
  • Wait with eager expectation

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for Your promises that are yes and amen in Jesus Christ! Thank You for the HOPE in which I have been saved, and in which I now eagerly wait for Christ’s return! Thank You for leading me to put my faith in Jesus – And – Thank You that Your perfect timing in all things – perhaps, especially so in Your “coming glory”, when all will be restored and completely made right. – In and through the name of Jesus! – Amen

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study
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Vengeance

Week 3, Day 2 of Choosing God Instead of the World, A Love God Greatly Study

Scripture Reading: Genesis 34 and Romans 12:17-21 (SOAP: Romans 12:19)

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.  Romans 12:19 NLT
Observation:
The Genesis Saga

The story in chapter thirty-four turns unexpectedly grim. If you don’t mind a spoiler alert keep reading, but if you haven’t read the story yet stop and read it … You may remember at last count there are eleven brothers and at least one daughter, Dinah, the daughter of Leah. Today’s story begins with her being sexually assaulted while she was meeting the other young women of the land. It is written that the man, Shechem, who assaulted her fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. When Dinah’s brothers learned of the assault they were angry. Their emotions were fueled by righteous indignation and shame. When Shechem’s father approached Jacob and the brothers about marrying Dinah, the brothers “answered deceitfully” and their deceitful plan led to a massacre of Shechem, his father, and every male in the city, by Simeon and Levi – the sons of Leah. They plundered everything in the city including the children and wives. Jacob’s sons did not consider the consequences for themselves or the family – they thought only of what had happened to their sister and their anger took control of them. Revenge comes with a great and terrible price for all involved.

Revenge comes with a great and terrible price for all involved.

Me-From the Inside-out
Our Focus Passage:

This part of Jacob’s story and especially the actions of Simeon and Levi are a perfect segue to our focus passage. The brothers certainly could have benefited from Paul’s instructions to “not repay evil for evil: consider what is good for all people … to live peaceably with all people so far as it depends on you.” Paul goes on to quote a verse from Deuteronomy, “Do not avenge yourselves – but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the LORD.”

Application: How then should we Live?

As followers of Christ, the obvious answer as to how we should live in light of this passage is to not repay evil for evil and to trust that God will take care of the situation. This isn’t easy, in fact it is one of the most difficult callings on a believer – ranking right up there with turn the other cheek (Matt 5:39) and forgive seven times seventy (Matt 18:22). It requires getting rid of anger and malice, being self-controlled rather than emotionally controlled. It requires not leaning on our own understandings that convince us how wrong the situation is and taking it upon ourselves to make it right. Simply put, it requires trusting God will take care of the situation the way He deems best and in His perfect timing. We would also do well to remember that anything we do or say to right the wrong will only bring more problems and heartache. Retaliation of any kind, from swords drawn for a massacre or fingers on a keyboard typing hard and hurtful words to strike back, is wrong and we must resist. Before you say, it’s impossible not to retaliate in some situations – consider 2 Peter 1:3-4 … “God has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His great and precious promises so that we might participate in the divine nature having escaped the corruption of of the world caused by evil desires.” The question is – will we choose God’s way instead of the world’s way?

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, I confess it is so difficult to not retaliate when my loved ones are hurt by others – So thank You for this reminder from Your Word – that even when our anger is justified, You want us to let You handle it. Help us to remember to lean on You and Your strength to resist the urge to pay back evil for evil; and please cause us to consider not just our anger but how Your name and the lives of others will be affected by our actions. In Jesus Name – thank You that you have given us everything we need to choose Your way instead of the world’s – Amen!

Your Turn:
  • Do you believe God will bring about justice?
  • In what areas is it difficult for you to wait on and trust in God’s justice?
Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Faithful Love: Week 4, Tuesday Pressing On In Faith

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READ: HOSEA 8:1-14 AND ROMANS 9:22-24; SOAP: ROMANS 9:22-23

God Will Raise Up the Assyrians to Attack Israel

Sound the alarm!
An eagle looms over the temple of the Lord!
For they have broken their covenant with me
and have rebelled against my law.
2 Israel cries out to me,
“My God, we acknowledge you!”
3 But Israel has rejected what is morally good;
so an enemy will pursue him.

The Political and Cultic Sin of Israel

4 They enthroned kings without my consent.
They appointed princes without my approval.
They made idols out of their silver and gold,
but they will be destroyed!
5 O Samaria, he has rejected your calf idol.
My anger burns against them!
They will not survive much longer without being punished,
even though they are Israelites!
6 That idol was made by a workman—it is not God!
The calf idol of Samaria will be broken to bits.

The Fertility Cultists Will Become Infertile

7 They sow the wind,
and so they will reap the whirlwind!
The stalk does not have any standing grain;
it will not produce any flour.
Even if it were to yield grain,
foreigners would swallow it all up.
8 Israel will be swallowed up among the nations;
they will be like a worthless piece of pottery.

Israel’s Hired Lovers

9 They have gone up to Assyria,
like a wild donkey that wanders off.
Ephraim has hired prostitutes as lovers.
10 Even though they have hired lovers among the nations,
I will soon gather them together for judgment.
Then they will begin to waste away
under the oppression of a mighty king.

Sacrifices Ineffective without Moral Obedience

11 Although Ephraim has built many altars for sin offerings,
these have become altars for sinning.
12 I spelled out my law for him in great detail,
but they regard it as something totally unknown to them.
13 They offer up sacrificial gifts to me
and eat the meat,
but the Lord does not accept their sacrifices.
Soon he will remember their wrongdoing,
he will punish their sins,
and they will return to Egypt.
14 Israel has forgotten his Maker and built royal palaces,
and Judah has built many fortified cities.
But I will send fire on their cities;
it will consume their royal citadels.

SOAP: Romans 9:22

But what if God, willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And what if he is willing to make known the wealth of his glory on the objects of mercy that he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us, whom he has called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?

With their silver and gold, they made idols for their own destruction.” (Hosea 8:4) The people of Israel were experts in living an independent life apart from God. Read the full devotional 

Read the full devotional

Thoughts on today’s reading? Share them in the comment bar –

Posted in LGG Study

Jesus Our Everything: Week 4, Day 5

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Question of the Day: According to Romans 5:20, what happened where sin increased?

Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18; (S.O.A.P. Hebrews 10:1-2; Romans 5:20-21)

Concluding Exposition: Old and New Sacrifices Contrasted

For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship.[a] 2 For otherwise would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers would have been purified once for all and so have[b] no further consciousness of sin? 3 But in those sacrifices[c] there is a reminder of sins year after year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 So when He came into the world, He said,

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body you prepared for Me.
6 “Whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings You took no delight in.
7 “Then I said, ‘Here I am:[d] I have come—it is written of Me in the scroll of the book—to do Your will, O God.’”[e]

8 When He says above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings You did not desire nor did You take delight in them”[f] (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He says, “Here I am: I have come to do your will.”[g] He does away with[h] the first to establish the second. 10 By His will[i] we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands day after day[j] serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again—sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when this Priest[k] had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right hand[l] of God, 13 where He is now waiting[m] until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet.[n] 14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are made holy. 15 And the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us, for after saying,[o] 16 “This is the covenant that I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord. I will put[p] My laws on their hearts and I will inscribe them on their minds,”[q] 17 then he says,[r] “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer.”[s] 18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Romans 5:20-21

20 Now the law came in[a] so that the transgression[b] may increase, but where sin increased, grace multiplied all the more, 21 so that just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Todays LGG Blog

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If you haven’t read this morning’s “After Thoughts” from today’s Scripture reading – you may want to – to fully appreciate my statement that God seems to be making a point with me about the benefit of encouragement. It will also help you understand why today’s prayer starter was another fingerprint from God. 💜

My daughters and I love to look for and share God’s fingerprints with one another. We do this because we have learned that they are a source of encouragement. This morning I was reminded through a prayer starter that it’s also good to look for opportunities and ways to encourage one another.

Let me repeat the words of “Criswell Freeman” from my reading this morning: “Are you a continuing source of encouragement to your family and friends? One of the reasons God put you here is to serve and encourage other people …”

To verify that this aligns with Scripture consider Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 where he tells the believers to encourage one another and build each other up. Or, the words from the author of Hebrews, who said: Encourage one another daily as long as it is called today so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (13:24). Encouraging others is definitely a purposeful part of the believer’s life and is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver.

Why? Because not only does it allow God’s light to shine through us – which means He is glorified, but also because, as Proverbs 16:24 says: “Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body”.

So here’s my encouragement for today – let’s look for opportunities and ways to encourage others – friends, family, neighbors, a member of  your church family and even strangers. It can be as simple as a kind word or “applauding” them for a job well done, helping with a need or sending a text or a card in the mail. Make plans to encourage someone you know who is going through a difficult time or ask God to show you opportunities throughout the day and be spontaneous with the encouragement – or both – see how many people you can encourage in one day and watch for the encouragement God will send you 💜